Royal Wedding Madness Comes to Media

For months, the world has gone gaga for Will and Kate’s royal wedding preparations. Well, the day has finally arrived. With all eyes on London, the British royal couple ties the knot in a very publicly celebrated fashion. 

Hundreds of thousands of well-wishers poured into London on Friday to catch even a glimpse of Prince William and Kate Middleton kissing atop the balcony at Buckingham Palace. Some American fans made the leap over the pond to see the nuptials as up-close-and-personally as possible. The majority of us, though, opted to watch in a more practical way, in the comfort of our own beds, decked out in our jammies, with coffee in hand, given the 3:30 a.m. EST start time.

Heidi Wiest, of Media, is a dedicated follower of the Will and Kate story.

"I like it because it’s like a fairy tale brought to life. You only ever really read about kings, queens, princes and princesses in books, so it’s fun to see all of this play out," she says. "There is such a pageantry and history with all of it that makes it interesting."

For Wiest, and the rest of us watching from afar, the party doesn’t stop once the show is over, and TV programming moves on. In fact, there are many local businesses in the greater Media Patch area who will continue the royal grandeur throughout the weekend. It is, after all, the first British wedding of this size since Prince Charles married Diana in 1981.

Simply Elegant Home on State Street served tea, tea sandwiches and scones on the eve of the wedding. In addition, this weekend the home décor store is offering a 20 percent discount off items similar to those the royal couple might have in their own home. 

Owner Mary Rhoads explains that the collections at her store include tables and buffets created right outside London.

"They are pieces a new couple will enjoy. They are modern lifestyle brands that are handmade, beautiful and require little care." she says.

When asked why she feels the royal wedding and all things British have taken the spotlight here in America, Rhoads says it is a nice change of pace to have a positive story in the forefront.

"Even though we are not British, or royals, it has captured everyone's focus because it's something happy and light. It is something so lavish, it's exciting for people to watch," she says.

Meanwhile down on South Jackson Street, a special post-wedding tea will be held at . It’s sure to be an affair to remember. Guests are encouraged to dress to the nines, donning hats, gloves, jewels, gowns and tuxedos. Tea, tea sandwiches, Welsh miner’s cakes, shortbread and champagne will be served. Carolyn Hannan will provide live entertainment. While this event is sold out, don’t fret. You can still visit Tea and Cakes for an authentic British tea time experience six days a week. Click to read a full review.